On a single day here at PAWS, we experience a wide variety of moving and heart warming human and animal interactions and their corresponding stories.

From concerned citizens delivering a wounded wild animal to PAWS’ Wildlife Hospital, to families reuniting with a lost pet at the shelter, to people visiting Cat City and discovering the perfect feline fit for their lives, we celebrate these stories knowing that the opportunity for a second chance is what inspires us every day.

They’ve been collecting these coins throughout the year and, in fact, this is the third year of their donation. What’s remarkable about Gary and Jerry isn’t just their generosity; it’s that they are homeless.

As you can imagine, Gary and Jerry know a thing or two about second chances. When neither men had anything, they both thought often about what they would do if and when they had food and shelter again.

Now residents of St. Martin Des Porres in Seattle, Gary and Jerry met and found common ground in their wish to give something to homeless animals.

Rolling their brooms across the floors in St. Martin, they both noted how many coins they were collecting along the way. Determined to keep their promise to return the favor of second chances, Gary and Jerry began collecting the random coins.

In 2010, the duo had collected enough coins that they felt they could make a donation. Immediately they knew it had to be to PAWS. Perhaps understandably, Gary and Jerry felt a kinship with the animals that PAWS cares for.

To this day, some three years later, Gary and Jerry, and all of their friends at St. Martin Des Porres are still collecting spare change and donating it to PAWS.

In gratitude, and due to the amount of money raised, a Kennel has been dedicated in honor of the facility's unique and moving gift.

Next time you visit PAWS, take a look around for St. Martin Des Porres’ name on a kennel door.

We’re proud to know you Gary and Jerry, and all the men at St. Martin Des Porres. We thank you and honor you because you remind us of the good that’s inside each and every one of us.